Owl Mum Brings Up Chicks After Dad Dies | Full Story | Gylfie & Finn | Robert E Fuller

The love between barn owls Gyflie & Finn was indisputable. This pair were inseparable, as to devoted to each other as they were to their chicks. And this legacy lived on in their chicks, even after devoted owl dad Finn sadly died.
Date filmed: January - September 2022
Watch barn owls interact live on my nest cams: • Live From Fotherdale |... and • Live From Ash Wood | R... ] and keep following Gylfie's story in this playlist: • Barn Owls 🦉 Gylfie & D...
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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Securing a nest
The story begins in January 2022 as these barn owls search for the perfect nest. Female Gylfie dithers and the pressure mounts as kestrels and tawny owls begin taking the best spots. Eventually there's only one option left, a nest box I made from an old elm tree stump.
Courtship
Despite being an established pair, this owl couple must renew their bonds, and their fresh devotion is touching - Finn seems reluctant to leave Gylfie’s side.
Owl eggs
In May Gylfie lays her first egg, then one every two-to-three-days until she has four. Unlike some birds of prey, barn owl eggs are incubated as soon as they’re laid and so Gylfie begins the long process, whilst Finn brings her food.
Chicks hatch
After a month of incubation, the first chick hatches. Then another two. One egg fails to hatch and Gylfie discards it.
Chicks grow
As the chicks grow, their characters develop. Viewers of this channel nickname them Freya, Griffin and Fern, from eldest to youngest. With eight days between them there’s quite a size difference. As Freya grows, she becomes quite fiesty, rudely snatching food from her parents.
Drought
A heatwave strikes and the countryside quickly dries up. Water is scarce and the wildlife begins to seek out animal water troughs in the surrounding farmland.
RIP Finn
When Finn doesn't turn up one day, I search more than 20 troughs and find him tragically drowned.
Supporting the owl family
Now that Gylfie must care for the chicks alone, I help out with food deliveries.
Chicks show affection
After their father dies, I notice an unusual bond developing between the barn owl chicks. Where normally I would expect them to compete for food, the trio begin to share.
ID rings
At seven weeks, the chicks are tagged. Now it will be possible to trace them through the rest of their lives.
Gylfie gets a new mate
As the chicks become more independent, I notice Gylfie spends more time away. It is soon clear she has a new mate. We check this male owls' ID ring and discover he is a rescued owl who grew up here at Fotherdale - alongside Finn!
Fledging
At the end of July, Freya fledges the nest, followed over the following weeks by Griffin and Fern. Freya, Griffin and Fern have come a long way since they were tiny owls and have had to overcome the loss of their father.
After such a start, it is so wonderful to watch these chicks fly free and strong.
ABOUT ME
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.
You may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here!
You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: www.robertefuller.com
Facebook: / robertefullerart
Twitter: / robertefuller
Instagram: / robertefuller
CHAPTERS
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00:20 - Nest Hunt
02:21 - Territorial Battles
05:29 - Courtship
08:36 - Egg Laying & Brooding
16:36 - Chicks Hatch
24:32 - Chicks Developing
29:25 - Finn Dies
31:42 - Robert Helps Feed
33:53 - Heatwave Continues
34:53 - ID Ringing
38:08 - Gylfie As Single Parent
39:10 - Oldest Chick Freya Fledges
40:50 - Gylfie's New Male
41:43 - Last Barn Owl Chick Leaves Nest
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© Robert E Fuller
Copyright Disclaimer: Please feel free to share my videos but do not download any content without permission with the intent to re-upload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: [e-mail]
#robertefuller #barnowl #gylfieandfinn #wildlives

[@RobertEFuller]

I hope you've enjoyed the video! See Gylfie & her new mate Dryer now on my livestream: kzbin.info/aero/PLx09JDaWUEFM-u8Q8V11cI1Ghk_-byaPM] Support my work with wildlife: : www.robertefuller.com/support_and_donate/ Shop my SPECIES artwork: www.robertefuller.com/product-tag/owl/ Follow me: Facebook - bit.ly/43LiisV | Twitter - bit.ly/43yuiO9 | Instagram - bit.ly/3XV7rLA | TikTok - bit.ly/3XUnEAJ

[@SufalDas-vh3ln]

Sir I'm from lndia. Last suterday(04/11/23) I got an burn owl. But owl unfortunately suffering for electric shock. The Owl doesn't open her/his claws. And doesn't stretch legs properly. Kindly if you any suggestions.

[@UnderTheMilkyWay-mc8md]

Awww spwecial but how sad about Finn😢. You really do live a wonderful life Robert and it must be very rewarding watching the fruits of your labour. I know I’m late here but I’ll be looking out for Gylfie & Dryer🦉🇦🇺🕊️

[@UnderTheMilkyWay-mc8md]

@@SufalDas-vh3ln Oh that’s sad. I see Robert didn’t respond to you but did the owl survive and if so how is he now?

[@kodi5384]

Finn was so lovely and loving. It's very poetic that his adopted brother found his way to Gylfie after his untimely demise. You will be missed, Finn. Good luck to Dryer and Gylfie for the future

[@careypierce8131]

The shot of Finn hunting for Gylfie is just breathtaking. He was such a handsome owl. He was a loving and loyal partner and amazing father. This pair and their lives together touched my heart. I’m so glad Gylfie has Dryer now but there’s no one as special as Finn.

[@joniharris9296]

he was a special one :)

[@HailS8nDoDrugs]

Dryer is a bum. Hopefully Gylfie can fix him.

[@BirdWorldtv8795]

So cute

[@mrviking2mcall212]

What I loved about Finn above all else was how he seemed so happy and proud to see each new egg/chick appear. He always wanted a good look at them even if it meant worrying Gylfie lol. And when he stumbled upon the untended nests of rival birds, he didn’t eat or destroy their eggs, just looked at them seemingly as proudly as his own. I miss Finn so much 🦉❤️

[@xyz7572]

Yeah Finn was a very special soul. He was so infinitely kindhearted and sweet and I still miss him a lot. This was a beautiful tribute to him ❤️

[@luceatlux7087]

Was it just my imagination, or did Gylfie jump w nervousness when Finn was walking on the eggs? He was def gentle enough, of course. She was just obviously mother-level gentle... Finn's so great and sweet tho. Fathers in my family were usually on the, "Let him stick his hand on the stove. He'll learn," side.

[@radioactivekid007]

Aww this was wonderful to watch. Finn will always be missed because he was a good boy and a wonderful father, but I’m glad we’ll all get to come back and honor his legacy

[@ufe3335]

What happened to him?

[@radioactivekid007]

@@ufe3335 he drowned in a water well when he was out hunting for food for his babies :((

[@DiscoRaptorpaw]

@@radioactivekid007poor baby… fly high Finn🕊️😔

[@filthynice88]

Finn the fish ... Short lived title since he was the only owl dumb enough to drown

[@biodouglasforam]

I'm never able to watch Gylfie & Finn videos without having tears flowing out my eyes. The devotion, curiosity and sometimes inexperient acts of Finn made his death to be really painful for me. RIP the best father and partner BO of Fotherdale!

[@xyz7572]

It’s the same for me. It’s painful to watch footage of Finn; I love him so much and just seeing him brings tears to my eyes. I’m just a few minutes in and I’m already crying. He truly was a pinnacle of unwavering devotion, and such a kind soul. He will always be missed. Sleep well, dear Finn, and fly high.

[@baddnurse5443]

❤

[@SibylleLeon]

I'm trying not to humanise them too much, but it really almost seems as though the chicks sensed that their dad wasn't coming back, and thought: "Right, well, we'll have to look after each other then, mum's busy". It's very touching the way they shared food. With Finn, it's two of my favourites who died/disappeared this year (Jeff being the other). I just hope Luna continues to be safe! I love that little tawny 🥰

[@maksim2343barn]

Our dear Finn , I miss you so much , he loved his dear Gylfie so much

[@RobertEFuller]

He did - he was such a lovely character.

[@duchesssterling5655]

When you picked up fin, i had no idea they were so small. Ive been watching Fin for three years, what a terrible time and way to go,

[@nancyvalente3763]

What a beautiful tribute to such a loving pair of owls. The devotion Finn showed to Gylfie and his brood is the epitome of what it means to be a mate and dad. RIP Finn, your legacy will live on in your chicks.❤

[@Nerathul1]

I first watched Gylfie and FInn after watching Ghost and Willow and it was a WORLD of difference. Where Ghost would be a bit of a deadbeat and just give food then leave, Finn would spent all his free time with his beloved wife and chicks.

[@nancyvalente3763]

@@Nerathul1 ❤❤❤

[@coltigh4232]

This was a great way to honor and remember Finn. He was a dedicated partner and father. RIP.

[@jmfong76]

I love all of these heartwarming stories. I have so many favorite pairs. Gylfie & Finn, Luna & Bomber, Willow & Ghost, Mr & Mrs Kes, Jeff & Jenny. There have been so many that seem to have moved on. Some have passed away and some, we may never know. Thank you for giving these beautiful animals a voice and telling their story. For those of us that don’t live in your neck of the woods, it gives us a glimpse of a quieter time and real nature, with a twist. These animal pairs have become my friends and think about them during my day. For those that have been lost, you will be greatly missed. For those that may soon arrive, we welcome you with open arms. 💜

[@user-KG71]

Well said ❤

[@baddnurse5443]

❤

[@freespirit6209]

🙂👍

[@xyz7572]

I think I will have to watch this video in portions - I’m just a few minutes in, and I’m already crying. It’s so painful to watch footage of our beloved Finn; I love him so much and just seeing him fills me with emotion and brings tears to my eyes. He truly was a pinnacle of unwavering devotion, and such a kind soul. Beautiful Finn, you will always be missed. Sleep well, dear Finn, and fly high.

[@samuelgoodman2825]

If it wasnt for your observations of these wonderful creatures we would never now their story.Thanks Robert for showing us its business as usual in the wild.

[@ChrisTesch87]

I still remember when the video of you finding Finn came out... my heart was broken. He really was such an incredible and beautiful boy. He'll forever be in my heart ❤️

[@freespirit6209]

Thank you, dear REF, for all the effort you have put in to create this lovely tribute to our wonderful Finn. Rest in peace and fly high, Finn. Never to be forgotten❤.

[@user-KG71]

Fynn was an amazing Owl- from being in the Super Brood to being an Adult. So many times I watched him on the Live-Stream being silly and Adorable 😂. He is truly missed 😢❤

[@BlackFlagHeathen]

RIP, Finn. Best barn owl dad ever. We will never forget him. ❤️💔 Thank you, Robert, for immortalizing Finn through this KZbin channel. ❤️🦉

[@maryelizabeth2581]

One of the greatest love stories ever!

[@jimflagg4009]

I loved Finn. He was the best.

[@carollunn3370]

Right on & well described!!!!!!

[@SneakyPeakyLeaky]

A year later and I’m still thinking about Finn. He was such a precious boy.. Wishing the best to Gylfie and Dryer 🩷🩷🩷🩷

[@deblee275]

Lovely video! Brought my daughter and I to tears at Finn dying. But love seeing how you and Gylfie work together for the Owlets to thrive. Wonderful that Dryer and Gylfie have each other now.❤

[@312countrygirl]

I'm so sorry about Finn. He was a wonderful spouse to Gylfie and father. And the chics got that affection for Finn

[@xyz7572]

Thank you Robert for sharing the love story of Finn and Gylfie with the world, truly. It was a privilege to see them and the devoted love between them, and I will always miss Finn, he was a ray of light and such a beautiful and kind soul. Thank you for letting us be part of his life ❤️

[@Mo-ws1fm]

Loving watching these programmes. Thank you for the work you do to help these precious birds

[@judyperry861]

We will never forget you Finn always in our hearts, brilliant mate and father 😢 thanks team ref for the lovely video ❤

[@jzzn4748]

Awwwwwww... These babies' love story was one of the best. I really got attached and became emotionally invested in them.

[@tishastewart2778]

So sad for Finn. I will miss him a lot. He seemed to be dedicated to taking care of Gylfie while she takes care of the brood. The watering holes will be properly installed in the future. Thank you for the wonderful videos.

[@jennyc1164]

I can’t yet bring myself to watch this tribute to our adorable, much loved Finn, it is still too painful I will love him forever. R.I.P beautiful boy. 🙏🦉♥️

[@soniaribeirokloth1914]

Hi, Robert! This lovable couple will be unforgettable, for their loyalty, dedication and kindness!! Thank you for this great tribute, a real love story!!! 🦉🦉🙌🤩😍🙏🤗😃

[@AE-se9bl]

Thanks so so very much for this wonderful video ! Beautiful but of course also very sad when poor Finn was lost ! He was a wonderful owl in so many ways and I will always miss him! But so happy for Gylfie she and Dryer are now together ! Good luck, happiness and health to them ! 🥰🤗❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@richardjohnson5529]

It was very sad that Finn died, but this wonderful story had a happy ending with 3 healthy young Owls making their way in life. Thank you Robert.

[@FairDrogon]

The good ones always get taken so soon. :( Fly high, Finn.

[@penelopewebling1085]

Thank you so much for this lovely film So very sad that Daddy Finn died He was a wonderful bird so loving to his family

[@GlitzyWitch]

I haven't watched for ages, i had no idea Finn had died 😢 he was such an amazing Dad. You will be missed Finn ❤❤❤

[@janande5374]

Wonderful tribute and beautiful story and footage.

[@KimberlyMills67]

Amazing video! Finn was a fine father and mate. Such a lovely story. RIP Finn. 😭❤

[@freespirit6209]

Hi again, just checking in before I start chores. Glad you have now seen the story of Finn. I can't actually watch it yet - too painful - but I ran it and 'liked' the video nevertheless. I think quite a few of us in the chat feel the same. Finn was the best.

[@alexr4151]

What a beautiful tribute to Finn's memory! Thank you, Robert and team, for this wonderful long-format presentation. It's a real luxury to see the entire story uninterrupted. ❤

[@dinoshahahaha]

I always adore coming to watch these videos. I have been in love with owls since I was a little 5th grader, and full documentary series like these warm me up so much I can’t stop being in love 💖

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Excellent really exciting and fun to watch So happy the chicks fledged well. Very sad to hear about Finn. Glad Gilfray found a new mate ❤

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Karma-479]

Devasted by the loss of Finn, sniffle might cry

[@annanicholson6925]

Beautiful story beautifully told.

[@Judith-eq9pd]

My favorite owl couple, they will always be in my memory and my heart 💞

[@johnhickson]

Absolutely fantastic piece robert well done and thank you for what you do 💯❤

[@RobertEFuller]

You are very welcome

[@bingusbingus776]

Thank you Robert. YOU are so lucky to see all this. I just love you're work and wonderful video's. ❤❤❤❤

[@elpirata5468]

A wonderful pair Amazing to see how Their lives unfolded TY for this story

[@logicalrealistic3139]

Sad that Finn didn't get chance to see his babies grow Thank you very much for your care & love

[@merrylmarsh9037]

Your videos take us on big life adventures. A roller coaster ride covering all the highs and lows of these beautiful creatures. Thank You , I feel priveleged.

[@suzannecarter445]

Superb video! What a sweet, romantic, yet also scientific no-nonsense look at this important stage in these animal's lives.

[@tlims1974a]

Beautiful love story and your narrating is wonderful and pleasant to listen to. 😊 RIP sweet Finn! Wonderful that Finns 1/2 brother came in to Gylfie’s life. May their legacy continue on and their story will never end. 🙏♥️ 🦉

[@brookedragona5973]

I'm sobbing inside for Finn😭🤧 I hope the chicks Have a good life and gylfie and dryer have a great life together and gylfie won't lose another mate

[@VenezuelaSustentable]

Such a Beautiful story - thanks for everything, Finn

[@melissamcclain34]

I absolutely love your longer videos even though this one was sad 😢

[@litosphile]

Love you Rob and your Team. Was waiting for this. Love from Goa India

[@irisfang]

I love Fin so much, so unfortunate he's crossed the rainbow bridge. May he rest in peace along with my own bird I've lost recently. He was always so curious and a very caring owl, probably one of my favorites on this channel. Good luck to Gylfie and her new mate Dryer, along with Finn's chicks and any Gylfie has with Dryer

[@AT-kx6fj]

You are doing a fantastic and noble job, Robert!!!

[@burstthroughtheconcrete]

I cried when I saw the footage of Finn passing away. Nature is so incredibly brutal and tragic. And yet, so majestic and magical at the same time. Finn, I'd like to think your light is already shining again in another life. And you're making this world a brighter and better place.

[@brittabritta4750]

Hi Robert, yes I did enjoy your video as I always do when watching your amazing films. Thank you so much, also for trying to get new people into this, learning how precious nature and wildlife is. Hope those, who haven't yet, get an appreciation for our wild companions and fellow creatures on earth and how breakable nature is, doing also their best to protect as best as they can to. Love from me to you, your family & your great feathered friends around there

[@angelinalanzillotti2773]

Love everything you post, thank you

[@Lil_strawberryy]

RIP Finn 😢 such a beautiful soul

[@gabyvansant4533]

And how I enjoyed this video! It's like looking at people at their bests. If we all were just ..... owls!

[@mk-xq1tt]

They really are such beautiful birds.

[@cholwinoo1123]

What a beautiful owl family

[@rina123456]

Does Finn have a final resting place? I'd like to get him a little grave marker.

[@warsin8641]

This secret world we humans never usually see is so sad and beautiful ❤ Rip Finn lived his life fully 😭

[@user-rl5mz5cg3w]

A great storytelling for a beloved barn owl.

[@patriciagarcia2766]

What a wonderful & beautiful, story.😊

[@AudreyLMcFarland]

Nature is so amazing... beautiful and scary!

[@vladimiramirez]

Großartige Arbeit! Danke, dass Sie sich die ganze Zeit kümmern!

[@teribusse8607]

So wonderful To watch them grow. I'll miss Finn! Glad Gylfie found Dryer ❤

[@ashleycope1237]

Beautiful tribute ❤

[@okay_birds]

I have never seen anything like this...AMAZING! Great work! Cheers, Declan 👍🏼🦉🤗

[@Rr-ri4oi]

💜💔 I have watched your beautiful birds for the last few years & loved them all in their own ways, but there was just "something" about Finn ... so sad when he drowned but so glad his last brood was able to thrive & fledge, and that we get to see them from time to time as visitors. Still miss Finn & admit I shed a tear or two watching this, but that's a good thing I think? Caring what happens to creatures? 🦉

[@ianwilcox9885]

I love your work you have done it well l love you how you take care of the birds of prey 😗

[@lynnrolaf7422]

They are the best parents & partners ❤️

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

What beautiful creatures.

[@miss_lorena2801]

Poor Finn😢 That was so sad. He was such a special owl, a great partner and a great dad😢 I know, that's life, that's nature...

[@dcarp1776]

i am so sorry finn died i was so sad he was a beautiful owl and always will be remembered your videos are so amazing i love birds so much

[@emberspirit7853]

i love ur video so much ser. hope more video to come. i learned a lot ...❤❤❤❤

[@SA-yf8zv]

An absolute fantastic capture. Thank you so much for sharing. Wonderful video and speaker. Look forward to see your next videos. Cheers

[@thechariotcard]

I would love to see/hear how you make the nests… what you consider… how you improve… how you set up the cameras, etc.,. How do the birds choose? How do you know when the nests are not satisfying? It is so interesting to know the details and you tell a wonderful story! Please consider giving us another perspective on your incredible care of these owls

[@BIGDAVE5352]

Two beautiful Barns.

[@voidhunter2800]

Im gonna miss you Finn, you were such a great dad.

[@Nkkb258]

This blew my mind. 0:57 such a great image of such beautiful creatures

[@kellysiemers2337]

they are so beautiful

[@janiedunn637]

❤ watching these gorgeous barn owls 🦉

[@samanthadean1083]

Poor Gylfie, she’s lost two mates now…

[@wvXvxvXvw]

Finn was my favorite character on this channel. He was funny to watch and we got to see him transform from an eager and clumsy bachelor to a devoted dad and partner. When the first chick from the last clutch hatched I said they should name it Figgy as a play on Finn and Gylphie's names. I'm still upset that didn't happen.

[@garden2356]

Finn is an angel of the skies. Missing him so much 😢❤

[@lolastephens404]

So very sad. I love the little barn owls.

[@hets810]

Wow, absolutely beautiful!

[@patrickhiggins3582]

im sorry for your loss robert. finn is gone to the owl heaven

[@patricewilcox792]

❤ SAD, but Beautiful Story 😊 Thank You for Lovely pictures & Interesting Info. ❤

[@wonkatonk333]

We ❤ Gylfie and Finn

[@jasminemanning950]

This is the CUTEST THING EVER! finn will be missed... RIP FINN Also the chicks point of view was probably like: "mom and dad are gone what do we do?! we must share and hint on our own"

[@user-dh8sn1jn4m]

Hello hi sir and madam all the best and Good luck sir ❤❤and God bless you 🙏 ❤

[@mouchette1184]

C'est si beau, et la disparition de Finn si triste...

[@adem6371]

Love this!! Wish you’d add all your short videos to a playlist to make it easier to follow different birds! Please! ❤❤❤

[@user-fs1uv7td4n]

Fascinant, très poétique

[@Indecisive013]

Thank you for your videos, they tremendously help me calm down my anxiety and ptss issues I’m suffering, great distraction..

[@rosselliott9447]

Rest In peace Finn 🦉